As the sun sets and the kitchen fills with warm, inviting aromas, I often find myself dreaming of Italy, captivated by the intricate pleasures of Sicilian Cannoli. You know that delightful crunch as you bite into a freshly fried shell? It’s like a little moment of magic! This classic Italian dessert has a way of transforming any occasion into a celebration, whether it’s a family gathering, a cozy dinner with friends, or just a sweet escape from daily life.
This isn’t just any cannoli recipe. We’re elevating it with a touch of the unexpected—think candied orange peel, a sprinkle of chopped pistachios, and luscious chocolate throughout. If you’re a purist at heart, don’t fret; you can easily stick to the traditional ricotta filling. Regardless of the route you choose, the harmony of flavors will have your taste buds singing. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to indulge—your journey into authentic Italian dessert-making begins now!
Why Choose Sicilian Cannoli for Dessert?
Unique Flavors: The addition of candied orange peel and rich chocolate brings a refreshing twist to a classic treat.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can create this indulgent dessert at home.
Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, these cannoli will impress your friends and family, making every occasion feel special.
Versatile Filling: Whether you prefer the traditional ricotta or want to get creative with goat cheese, the choice is yours!
Texture Perfection: The delightful crunch of the fried shell combined with a creamy filling makes for an unforgettable experience.
Make Ahead: Prepare the shells in advance for a hassle-free treat when hosting or celebrating!
Sicilian Cannoli Ingredients
For the Dough:
• Lard – Provides the essential flakiness for the cannoli shells; vegetable shortening or butter can be used as substitutes.
• Cocoa Powder – Adds a rich depth and color to the dough; omit for a more traditional flavor.
• Sweet Wine – Enhances the tenderness of the dough; can be swapped with a dry red wine for a unique twist.
• Flour – The base of your dough; all-purpose flour works perfectly here.
For the Filling:
• Ricotta Cheese – The creamy base that gives richness; you can substitute it with mascarpone for a different flavor profile.
• Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness to your filling; feel free to adjust the quantity based on your preference.
• Goat Cheese – Brings a tangy note to replicate traditional flavors; can be omitted if you’d like a classic ricotta-only filling.
• Candied Orange Peel – Infuses a delightful citrus flavor; lemon zest is a great alternative if you’re out of candied orange.
• Chopped Pistachios – Offers a delightful crunch and nutty flavor; chopped almonds can be used in their place.
• Chocolate – Adds richness and texture; always opt for high-quality chopped chocolate instead of chips for best results.
For Assembly:
• Oil – Essential for deep frying; choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for the best frying experience.
• Additional Powdered Sugar – For dusting before serving, adding a lovely finish to your decadent cannoli.
These Sicilian Cannoli ingredients will set you on a path to making a show-stopping dessert that celebrates the essence of traditional Italian cooking!
How to Make Sicilian Cannoli
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Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine lard, cocoa powder, sweet wine, and flour until smooth. It should form a pliable dough that’s easy to work with; knead for about 5 minutes.
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Roll and Cut: Using a pasta maker, roll the dough to your desired thickness. Then, cut it into circular shapes around 4 inches in diameter for the cannoli shells.
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Shape and Fry: Carefully wrap the dough around metal cannoli forms, ensuring a tight seal at the edges. Deep-fry in hot oil (around 350°F) until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
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Cool: Once fried, remove the shells from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain. Allow the shells to cool completely before filling.
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Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, blend together ricotta, powdered sugar, goat cheese (if using), candied orange peel, chopped pistachios, and chocolate until well combined and creamy in texture.
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Assemble: Using a piping bag, fill the cooled cannoli shells with the ricotta mixture. Do this just before serving to keep the shells crunchy.
Optional: Dust with additional powdered sugar right before serving for a beautiful presentation.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Sicilian Cannoli
• Proper Dough Thickness: Aim for the dough to be rolled thinly; this ensures a crispy shell that won’t absorb too much oil during frying.
• Seal It Tight: When wrapping the dough around the cannoli forms, make sure to seal the edges firmly to prevent them from unrolling while frying.
• Fry in Batches: To maintain the oil temperature for optimal frying, work in small batches; this helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown color.
• Let Them Cool: Allow the fried shells to cool completely on paper towels. Filling them too early builds moisture, compromising their crunch.
• Fill Just Before Serving: For the best texture, fill the shells right before serving, ensuring that each bite has that delightful crunch of the cannoli against the creamy filling.
Enjoy your homemade Sicilian Cannoli adventure!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Sicilian Cannoli are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing quality! You can prepare the cannoli shells up to 48 hours in advance; simply fry them and store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crunch. The creamy filling can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator—just remember to keep it in a well-sealed container to prevent the flavors from mingling too much. When you’re ready to enjoy, fill the shells with the chilled mixture using a piping bag just before serving to keep that satisfying textural contrast! Enjoy your hassle-free dessert delight!
Variations & Substitutions for Sicilian Cannoli
Feel free to explore these delightful twists and alternatives to make the recipe your own!
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free ricotta alternative made from almonds or cashews for a creamy filling that everyone can enjoy.
- Nut-Free: Omit the pistachios and use sunflower seeds or you can also add a crunch with crushed vanilla wafers in the filling.
- Citrus Boost: Swap out candied orange peel for a splash of limoncello to infuse a zesty zing into your filling and brighten the flavors.
- Savory Option: Create a surprising savory cannoli by mixing ricotta with herbs like basil or chives, and sprinkle in some feta for a rich, tangy profile.
- Chocolate Lovers: Fold in mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top of your filled cannoli for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend to enjoy this Italian treat without the gluten.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a hint of chili flakes into your filling for an unexpected spicy twist that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
- Flavor Maybe: Infuse your ricotta with different extracts, such as almond or hazelnut, to elevate the flavor profile beyond the classic vanilla.
Adventure is just a bite away! Whichever variation you choose, your homemade cannoli will shine with personality and flair.
How to Store and Freeze Sicilian Cannoli
Room Temperature: Store fried cannoli shells at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain their crispiness.
Fridge: Filled Sicilian cannoli should be kept in the refrigerator and consumed within 4 hours for the best taste and texture.
Freezer: Cannoli shells can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them securely in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: If desired, warm the shells in a toaster oven for a few minutes before serving, but avoid reheating the filled cannoli as it may affect texture and freshness.
What to Serve with Sicilian Cannoli?
Indulging in these delightful treats calls for the perfect accompaniments that enhance your dessert experience and create a beautiful balance of flavors.
- Espresso: A classic pairing, this rich coffee contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cannoli, elevating the overall enjoyment.
- Sweet Dessert Wine: Opt for a glass of Moscato or Vin Santo; their fruity notes harmonize perfectly with the creamy filling.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These fruity bites add freshness and additional sweetness to complement the rich flavors in the cannoli.
- Pistachio Ice Cream: Chilled and creamy, this ice cream echoes the pistachios in your cannoli while adding a refreshing twist.
- Fresh Berries: The natural tartness of raspberries or blueberries cuts through the richness, providing a bright and vibrant flavor contrast.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a lovely touch and enhances the dessert’s luxurious feel.
- Candied Orange Slices: These bring out the citrus notes in the cannoli, enhancing the overall flavor profile with their sweet and tangy essence.
- Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: A simple yet elegant addition, a drizzle of chocolate sauce allows for extra indulgence with each bite.
- Homemade Biscotti: Perfect for dipping, the crunchiness of biscotti offers an excellent texture contrast to the creamy filling of the cannoli.
Sicilian Cannoli Recipe FAQs
What kind of ricotta cheese should I use for the filling?
Absolutely, for the best results, use whole milk ricotta, which is creamy and provides a rich texture. If you’re looking for a varied flavor profile, consider substituting with mascarpone cheese; it will add a luxurious creaminess to the filling.
How do I store my filled Sicilian Cannoli?
For filled Sicilian cannoli, it’s best to keep them in the refrigerator and enjoy them within 4 hours for optimum freshness. If you prepare the filling ahead of time, you can store it separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to fill the shells just before serving to maintain their delightful crunch!
Can I freeze the cannoli shells?
Yes, you can freeze the cannoli shells for up to 2 months! To do this, ensure they are completely cooled after frying, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to serve, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before filling.
What should I do if my cannoli shells are too soft?
If your cannoli shells turn out soft, it might be due to moisture from the filling if they were filled too early. In the future, ensure you fill them just before serving. You can also gently re-crisp the shells by placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, allowing them to regain their crunch.
Are there any dietary considerations for making Sicilian Cannoli?
Certainly! Be aware of potential allergies, especially to dairy. If you’re accommodating someone with lactose intolerance, substitute the ricotta with a dairy-free cream cheese or a non-dairy ricotta alternative for the filling. For gluten-free options, you can also find gluten-free flour to make the dough, allowing everyone to enjoy this delightful dessert!
Sicilian Cannoli with Pistachios and Chocolate Twist
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine lard, cocoa powder, sweet wine, and flour until smooth to form a pliable dough. Knead for about 5 minutes.
- Using a pasta maker, roll the dough to your desired thickness and cut into circular shapes about 4 inches in diameter for the cannoli shells.
- Wrap the dough around metal cannoli forms and ensure a tight seal at the edges. Deep-fry in hot oil (around 350°F) until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the shells from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain. Allow to cool completely before filling.
- In a mixing bowl, blend ricotta, powdered sugar, goat cheese (if using), candied orange peel, chopped pistachios, and chocolate until well combined and creamy.
- Using a piping bag, fill the cooled shells with the ricotta mixture just before serving.